The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly covet defensive stopper Herb Jones. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, hold firm, demanding a king's ransom.
It seems like every player on the New Orleans Pelicans is being targeted by contenders. The latest being the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly in "love" with Herbert Jones, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Jones being eyed by contenders is not shocking at all. He's a perfect complimentary piece to winning basketball. He's a defensive ace that is not worried about his offensive output, but can give teams some scoring when asked.
The 27-year-old is averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 39.5/33.8/80 shooting splits this season. That might not jump off the page, but his defense speaks for itself and he's a great leader on this team.
Jones recently signed a three-year, $67.58 million contract extension that will keep him with the Pelicans through the 2029/2030 season. That means the team has no reason to trade him immediately and they don't seem to be in a rush to make a move.
New Orleans wants to win as many games as possible this season, despite their 5-22 record. They're playing more solid basketball than their record would suggest right now and don't have their first round pick.
There is no reason for them to blow it up before next season. It would take something disastrous or a godfather offer to get them to trade one of their core players right now, which includes Jones.
Scotto's report also stated that teams around the league see him as worth two first-round picks. That wouldn't be enough to get the Pelicans to budge, as of now, unless they were top lottery picks.
